Stewart-Matzen pleads not guilty to arson charges

A Belding woman accused of setting her house on fire in 2010 was arraigned in Ionia County 8th Circuit Court Tuesday.

Cynthia Stewart-Matzen, 57, pleaded not guilty to three counts of arson of a dwelling house, arson – insured property and arson –preparation to burn. The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, 10 years and five years respectively, plus fines.

The charges against Stewart-Matzen stem from a May 13, 2010, fire at her and her husband's home on Root Street in Belding. Ionia County Prosecutor Ron Schafer said the investigation showed there were three points of origin in the basement, with three separate fires. In addition, a gas line to the dryer had been disconnected, he said.

Stewart-Matzen and her husband, who were home at the time of the incident, were removed by emergency personnel.

The matter was set on for jury trial.

Paul Parkin

Paul Parkin, 40, of Ionia was sentenced to prison on charges related to the sexual assault of a woman in March 2011 in Ionia.

Parkin was found guilty by a jury Oct. 4 in count one, criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, which carries a penalty of up to life in prison; and count three, criminal sexual conduct in the second degree, which carries up to 15 years in prison. He was found not guilty in count two, criminal sexual conduct in the second degree.

Judge David Hoort sentenced Parkin as a habitual offender, second, to 18 to 45 years plus fines, costs and fees in count one; and seven to 15 years plus fines, costs and fees in count three. He received credit for 457 days for time served. Parkin is to serve the sentences consecutively.

In pronouncing Parkin's sentence, Hoort said he felt there should be the opportunity for Parkin to be released eventually "and not die in prison."

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Lori Kirkhoff told the court Parkin had many other prior acts that established "a pattern of taking advantage of women in a vulnerable state."

Parkin's attorney, Eric Matwiejczyk, said Parkin has always maintained his innocence, and had rejected a plea deal with the prosecutor's office because he maintained his innocence.

"We're happy with the judgment," said Kirkhoff. "The victim is pleased that the judge heard testimony and interpreted it as she did, and that he gave a stiff penalty."

Kirkhoff said Parkin must serve at least 25 years before he is eligible for parole.

"We're pleased he won't be released to do this again," she said.

Josh Lyon

Josh Lyon, 36, of Lyons Township entered a plea of guilty to two counts of attempted criminal sexual conduct in the third degree in Circuit Court Tuesday. The charges each carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.

Under the terms of a plea agreement, sentencing will not exceed 12 months in jail. Judge David Hoort told Lyon he must register with the state's sex offender registry prior to sentencing, and must not have contact with the victim.

The charges stem from alleged assaults that occurred between April 1 and Sept. 10 in Lyons Township. The victim was at least 13 but less than 16 at the time of the alleged crimes, and is related to Lyon.